Gynaecological cancer support services

Department of
Gynaecological Oncology,
Westmead
Psychosocial services

Cancer may be associated with a variety of emotional, spiritual and psychological changes.

These changes can affect the person who has cancer, their carer and their family. Sometimes a cancer diagnosis leads to sudden changes in a person’s circumstances making it more difficult for them to cope. There are also lots of practical difficulties that can arise. Family members and carers are often under a lot of pressure and may feel they have no one to turn to for support, advice, or even just clear information.

Some common problems that clinical psychologists would consult for include:

Depression

Needle phobia or other phobias that interfere with treatment and recovery

Coping with physical pain/nausea or fatigue due to cancer treatment

Anxiety (e.g., about treatment, recurrence, the future)

Adjustment difficulties (including adjusting to cancer, life after cancer and complicated grief)

Body image disturbance

Relationship or sexuality issues

Unmanageable distress related to life threatening illness

Stress and worry

Anger

Sleep difficulty

Spirituality

Talking to children about cancer

Communicating better with your loved ones and treating team

How to make contact

The social worker in gynaecological cancer and clinical psychologist are available to see all gynaecological cancer patients and their family members and/or carers. To book an appointment with the clinical psychologist you can call the clinic on 8890-8530.
Patients are seen in clinics of the Crown Princess Cancer Centre. If you need an appointment please call 8890-5555.

Health Care Interpreter Service

A free and confidential interpreter service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Ask the staff to arrange an interpreter for you. Auslan interpreters are also available.

A clinical psychologist has specialised training in helping people overcome psychological difficulties, and can help you cope better, learn ways to relax, communicate better and deal with some of the common issues that present during and after your cancer treatment.

Mindfulness

Westmead Gynaecological Cancer Support Group

The Westmead Gynaecological Cancer Support Group provides information and education for women who have been treated for gynaecological cancers. It is held monthly from February to December in the Education Centre at Westmead Hospital.
For more information contact the Westmead Centre for Gynaecological Cancer on 8890-6801 and ask to speak with the Social Worker or Clinical Psychologist for gynaecological cancer.

Information Privacy

All members of staff involved in your care have access to the notes and records that are kept about your contact with us. They will be aware of any difficulties you are having, without you having to repeat the story. At the same time information placed on file is limited and is summarised. The team is mindful of confidentiality. Your GP is also very important in your care. Just like other staff at the cancer centre, we may send information to your GP about your contact with us if it is relevant.

If you have concerns about the
sharing of your personal
information with other health
professionals, you can discuss this with any member of the team.